THE most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world is being used by Lotus in a version of its new Emira sports car - the last petrol-powered model from the iconic British brand.

The new four-cylinder Emira is powered by a bespoke version of AMG's M139 direct injection engine which made its debut on the ultra-hot AMG A 45 derivative of the Mercedes A-Class.

It is manufactured specifically for the Emira and includes hardware changes to aid mid-mounted integration and new software to give it a true Lotus character.

It is the world's most powerful four-cylinder engine homologated for road use with up to 208bhp/ litre and in the Emira it develops 360bhp.

Mated to an eight-speed dual clutch transmission with paddle shifters - a first for Lotus - the car will be priced from £59,995 and is due for release early in 2023.

Gavan Kershaw, director of vehicle attributes at Lotus, said: "It's a bespoke rear-wheel drive variant of the transmission developed by Lotus in collaboration with AMG.

"On top of that, the gearshift strategy has been defined by the Hethel team as part of the car's performance attributes. It is unique to the Emira and optimised for the best blend of outstanding driving engagement and performance, fuel consumption and emissions."

The four cylinder model will sit alongside the V6 Emira First Edition which costs from £71,995 which will be on the road towards the end of the year.

It will be joined by an entry level Emira V6 next January which will be priced from £64,995.

Lotus says more details will be made available this summer.